How to Celebrate NH Eat Local Month

Now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better way to celebrate than by getting outside and taking in the produce, baked goods, meat and flowers of your local farmers market. New Hampshire Eat Local Month is happening August 1-31, so now’s the time to scope out the state’s market scene and find your new favorite.

To help you out, here are a few of our favorite markets in each corner of the state and what you can expect at each. Don’t forget to check out their websites before you head out to read their COVID-19 protocols and procedures.

Monadnock Region

We recommend: The Farmers’ Market of Keene. A convivial group of volunteers runs this biweekly market. The market offers a great selection of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, eggs, preserves and maple products. Bakers are also present selling breads, cookies, granola and other treats. Expect hyper-local products and live entertainment from New Hampshire musicians.

Where to find it: Commercial Street parking lot off of Gilbo Avenue

When to check it out: Tuesdays 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., now through October

For more: keenefarmersmarket.com

Lakes Region

We recommend: Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market. Operating since 2002, this market focuses as much on agricultural education as it does on fresh fruits and veggies. Through a partnership with Wolfeboro-based Global Awareness Local Action, they offer workshops in gardening, homesteading skills, and more.

Where to find it: South Main Street’s Clark Park, on the grounds of the Wolfeboro Historical Society

When to check it out: Thursdays 12:30-4:30 p.m. through October 15

For more: wolfeboroareafarmersmarket.com

Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee

We recommend: Lebanon Farmers Market. This market will be filled with smiling faces (behind masks, of course), live music and delicious local food. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags with you when you shop.

Where to find it: Colburn Park

When to check it out: Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. through October 8

For more: (603) 448-5121; lebanonnh.gov/806/Farmers-Market

Merrimack Valley

We recommend: Nashua Farmers Market. After an expansion in 2015, this downtown market is bigger and better than ever with more than 30 vendors.

Where to find it: City Hall Plaza, 229 Main Street

When to check it out: Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through October 18

For more: (603) 883-5700; downtownnashua.org

Seacoast

We recommend: Seacoast Growers Association. This nearly 40-year-old regional organization hosts the mega-popular Portsmouth Farmers Market and the markets in Durham, Dover and Exeter, and has the process down to a science. Type A market-goers will love their website’s interactive maps of each week’s market, where you can check out exactly which of their 100-plus vendors will be in attendance in which town.

• Exeter Farmers Market: Thursdays, 2:15-5:30 p.m. until October 29 at Swasey Parkway
• Portsmouth Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. until November 7 at Little Harbour School
• Durham Farmers Market: Mondays, 2:15-5:30 p.m. until October 5 at Sammy’s Lot/Store 24 Lot
• Dover Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 2:15-5:30 p.m. until October 7 at the Chamber of Commerce

For more on SGA’s four markets, visit seacoastgrowers.org.

Northern New Hampshire

We recommend: Littleton Farmers Market. This market is a community gathering spot with live music, good food and children’s activities. Whether you are looking to load up on healthy vegetables for the week or relax by the river, the market has something for everyone.

Where to find it: 77 Riverglen Lane

When to check it out: Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through October 11

For more: Facebook